Brussels: The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council have issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international waterway. The statement, released by the High Representative and the Kingdom of Bahrain as the Gulf Cooperation Council's Presidency, underscores that such rights are protected under international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
According to European Union, the statement strongly condemns recent attacks by Iran on commercial vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz, as well as on the sovereign territories of regional states including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. These actions are described as endangering civilian lives and mariners, violating international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and being entirely unjustifiable.
The statement also rejects any claims of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz by any state, opposing any imposed regimes of permits, transit tolls, or service fees on international shipping. It emphasizes that the right of passage through this international strait is guaranteed to all states under international law and cannot be subject to control or permission from any single state.
Expressing solidarity with the affected states and endangered seafarers, the statement highlights that an attack on one is a concern for all who rely on this vital waterway. It calls upon Iran to halt all attacks and interference with maritime navigation immediately and unconditionally and to ensure open passage through the Strait without conditions, tolls, or fees.
Finally, the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council pledge to continue close coordination to uphold freedom of navigation and support the protection of international shipping and seafarers. They reaffirm their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve the crisis and maintain peace and security in the region, consistent with international law and the United Nations Charter.